The Merge’s Post

Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company, was awarded a contract to produce motors to power Stinger missiles in support of U.S. stockpile replenishment. While the company has been manufacturing Stinger launch and flight motors for decades as a supplier to Raytheon, an RTX business, to support foreign military sales and an Army Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), this replenishment contract marks the first time in nearly 20 years new missiles will be produced for the U.S. military. The launch motor ejects the Stinger missile from its shoulder-launched tube or from a vehicle-mounted system. After the launch motor separates from the missile during the launch and once the missile is at a safe distance from the operator, the flight motor ignites, powering the missile to reach its target. Stinger is proven effective against fixed and rotary wing targets and with the inclusion of a proximity fuse, can also defeat small, autonomous targets. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gWMQm7KE

Northrop Grumman Secures Contract for B-21 Raider Bomber Pre-Production Northrop Grumman, a leading U.S. aerospace and defense company, has received the inaugural order for the pre-production phase of the B-21 Raider strategic bombers. The announcement was made by William LaPlante, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. LaPlante revealed that, based on successful ground and flight tests, as well as the team's mature manufacturing plans, approval was granted to commence the low-rate production of B-21s. The B-21 Raider is set to replace the B-1B and B-2A, providing strategic deterrence and is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s. Although the U.S. Air Force has not specified the duration of B-21's flight testing or its expected combat readiness timeline, it acknowledges the ongoing construction of five additional aircraft at Plant 42, indicating progress in the development and operational testing phases. The B-21 Raider, a key project for the U.S. Air Force alongside the F-35A fighter jet and the KC-46 Pegasus military aerial refueling aircraft, boasts stealth capabilities and dual-role functionality for conventional and nuclear payloads. Positioned for deployment in future high-threat environments, the B-21 Raider aligns with the Air Force's strategic vision, ensuring enhanced capabilities for long-range missions, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The aircraft is developed with an open architecture to facilitate seamless integration of modernized systems, emphasizing adaptability and reducing risks. The B-21 program is expected to cost $203 billion over 30 years, and each bomber has an expected average procurement cost of $692 million. #NorthropGrumman #B21Raider #DefenseContractors

Elevate Your Aerospace and Defense Systems with MACHFORCE!   Discover how MACHFORCE's innovative High-Speed Module (HSM) ensures impeccable signal integrity, manages interference, and delivers unmatched data reliability in mission-critical operations. Read our latest article on "Optimizing Signal Integrity" to learn more at https://lnkd.in/gHNZ3kzh   #Aerospace #Defense #SignalIntegrity #MACHFORCE #TechnologyInnovation #embeddedcomputers #AerospaceEngineering

From Boneyard to Back in Service: Air Force Revives Retired B-1B Bomber "Lancelot" The Air Force is giving a retired B-1B Lancer bomber, nicknamed "Lancelot," a new lease on life. Here's what you need to know: Replacing a fire-damaged aircraft: "Lancelot" will fill the gap left by a B-1B destroyed in a 2022 maintenance incident. Extensive repairs were deemed too costly. Team effort for recommissioning: A team from several Air Force bases has been working to get "Lancelot" airworthy again for further refurbishment at Tinker Air Force Base. Aging B-1B fleet: The B-1B has been in service since the 1980s, with around 60 remaining operational. The bomber's role transitioned from nuclear-capable to conventional in 2007. Future of the B-1B: The Air Force's new B-21 Raider is slated to eventually replace both the B-1B and B-2 Spirit bombers in the coming decades. 🤔 What are the potential implications of relying on a smaller bomber fleet in the future? #airforce #B1B #Lancelot #militaryaviation

Who will I see in Texas for #AEA2024? Let's connect and discuss your Automated Test Equipment, obsolescence and reverse engineering needs! #AEA #EngineeringServices, #TestSystemDesignandBuild, #ContractManufacturing, #Aviation #Aerospace #Defense

Lockheed Martin takes next step in homeland missile defense interceptor acquisition process In November 2023, Lockheed Martin successfully ompleted a Missile Defense Agency (MDA) acquisition milestone for the nation's modernized long range ballistic missile interceptor. The company completed the first Knowledge Point – known as KP1 – ahead of schedule, taking a major contractual step forward that allows its Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program to continue development towards the Critical Design Review (CDR). During KP1, the MDA evaluated Lockheed Martin's development progress to date. This includes completing design review milestones and demonstrating significant maturation across critical technologies, manufacturing readiness, and utility of the company's NGI Software Factory. This KP1 achievement follows the program's All Up Round Preliminary Design Review, which Lockheed Martin executed on-schedule in September. #Military #Defence #Aviation #Aerospace #Technology #Space https://lnkd.in/ePekUBNQ

Ever wondered about the giants of the sky? The B-52 Bomber is a testament to human engineering and military might, with dimensions that are truly breath-taking. While exploring the vast world of aviation history, I stumbled upon a fascinating fact about the B-52 Bomber, also known as the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fellow). The BUFF's wingspan is an astounding 185 feet. To put this into perspective, that's nearly the width of two Boeing 737s placed end to end! This immense wingspan was designed to provide stability and lift for the heavy payloads the B-52 carries, reflecting a marvel of engineering and aeronautical design. This remarkable wingspan is not just a feat of engineering; it plays a pivotal role in the aircraft's operational capabilities. It allows for greater fuel capacity, extended range, and the ability to carry a diverse array of armaments. This versatility has enabled the B-52 to remain in service for decades, playing a crucial role in various military operations. In the world of #AerospaceEngineering and #MilitaryAviation, such design feats represent not just technical triumphs but strategic assets. The B-52's longevity and versatility in various combat scenarios underscore its importance in #DefenseTechnology and #AviationHistory. https://lnkd.in/e3XWjmKZ #B52Bomber #Aviation #EngineeringExcellence #MilitaryHistory

Lockheed Martin takes next step in homeland missile defense interceptor acquisition process In November 2023, Lockheed Martin successfully ompleted a Missile Defense Agency (MDA) acquisition milestone for the nation's modernized long range ballistic missile interceptor. The company completed the first Knowledge Point – known as KP1 – ahead of schedule, taking a major contractual step forward that allows its Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program to continue development towards the Critical Design Review (CDR). During KP1, the MDA evaluated Lockheed Martin's development progress to date. This includes completing design review milestones and demonstrating significant maturation across critical technologies, manufacturing readiness, and utility of the company's NGI Software Factory. This KP1 achievement follows the program's All Up Round Preliminary Design Review, which Lockheed Martin executed on-schedule in September. #Military #Defence #Aviation #Aerospace #Technology #Space https://lnkd.in/ePekUBNQ

Ever wonder what the team at Quest Defense is up to behind the scenes? Here's a peek at the different webinars we offer our employees and how we are always learning. Listen as Tom Rammer discusses the Secondary Air Systems (SAS) in a Gas Turbine. #QuestDefense #Aerospace #Defense #BehindTheScenes #Collaboration #Teamwork #Integrity #CustomerFocus #AerospaceEngineering #DefenseIndustry

Here is some profile art I did several years ago - showcasing the legacy bomber, the B-58A Hustler 59-2458A Prints available at: https://lnkd.in/g5Bm7SK The U.S. Air Force's first operational supersonic bomber, the B-58 made its initial flight on Nov. 11, 1956. In addition to the Hustler's delta wing shape, distinctive features included a sophisticated inertial guidance navigation and bombing system, a slender "wasp-waist" fuselage and an extensive use of heat-resistant honeycomb sandwich skin panels in the wings and fuselage. Since the thin fuselage prevented the carrying of bombs internally, a droppable, two-component pod beneath the fuselage contained a nuclear weapon -- along with extra fuel, reconnaissance equipment or other specialized gear. The B-58 crew consisted of a pilot, navigator/bombardier and defense systems operator. #aviationart #USAF #B58 #AirForce #Historical #Legacy #Aircraft #Aviation #profileart